Thank you to everyone who entered the “Yummiest Hors D'oeuvre” recipe contest. 

I've been busy testing your recipes and all my friends and neighbors also would like to thank you, they've enjoyed sipping a glass of wine and tasting all the delicious “tests.”

The winner of the beautiful black sequined apron provided by the BarbaraAnne Company of Wheaton, Ill., is Debra L. Arter of Damariscotta for her scrumptious Warm Blue Cheese Dip recipe. 

Now what's not to love about the combo of bacon, garlic, cream cheese and smoky almonds, all ingredients in Debra's delicious Warm Blue Cheese Dip. 

Debra shared that her mom was a home economics teacher and that she and her husband often entertained at home. She recalls being unable to resist this dip even as a child and would try and sneak a taste as soon as her Mom set it out for her guests. 

Debra has passed this recipe on to her family and says on the rare occasion that there is any dip leftover; she puts it to good use by adding a dollop to a baked potato. Sounds divine. When I made this recipe I served it with Carr's Peppered Water Crackers, Carr's Sesame Water Crackers and an assortment of fresh veggies. 

Congratulations, Debra, and I hope you will enjoy wearing your gorgeous black sequined apron, generously contributed by the BarbaraAnne Company of Wheaton, Ill. This company was founded by longtime best friends (you guessed it: Barbara and Anne. Barbara's real name is Laura, but that is another whole story.) 

They say the idea for this apron came about because of their love of entertaining and welcoming friends and family into their homes for dinner parties. In the process of preparing food (wonder if they cook with a smidgen of reckless abandon like yours truly?) they both reach for very utilitarian type aprons but then the dilemma arises; if you are pressed for time and need to look a little more presentable for your guests and oops, there's the doorbell. The idea for this sparkly, sexy but still practical apron that changes jeans and a blouse to something that looks quite glam is the perfect solution. Great idea, ladies!

You can order one of these smashing aprons online at www.barbaraanneco.com for $50, plus shipping. Buy one for yourself and one for a gift. (And no, I don't have one … just sayin'!)

Here is Debra's winning recipe, edited for clarification purposes.

Warm blue cheese dip

By Debra L. Arter, Damariscotta

• 7 slices bacon, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup half and half
• 4 oz. blue cheese, crumbled
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives
• 3 Tbsp. chopped smoked almonds 
• Assorted crackers, sliced French bread or crudités for serving

Cook bacon in a heavy skillet set over medium heat until almost crisp. Add garlic and sauté 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until bacon is fully crisp and garlic is tender but not brown. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon and garlic and place on paper towel to absorb excess fat. 

Place cream cheese in a medium bowl and beat until creamy with electric mixer set on medium speed. Add half and half and beat until combined. Using a wooden spoon, stir in reserved bacon/garlic mixture, blue cheese and chives. Transfer to a 2 cup oven proof baking dish and cover. Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 15-18 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with chopped almonds. Serve hot with crackers, bread or crudités. Yield: about 1-3/4 cups dip.

Note: May be prepared one day ahead. Keep in refrigerator until ready to heat and adjust cooking time by adding a few extra minutes.